Herald-Advocate News

The Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) reported today that one person has been referred to their health care provider after being potentially exposed to rabies in the Bennettsville area of Marlboro County by a raccoon that tested positive for the disease.

The fourth annual STEM Night Fever Expo was held at Marlboro County High School Tuesday evening. The event showcased various individual and group projects and demonstrations focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math. Above MCHS Principal Derwin Farr tries out the Geometry Roller Coaster.

A special called meeting for the Marlboro County Board of Education was canceled Wednesday due to a lack of quorum.The meeting was called so board members could go into executive session to discuss contractual matters and employment matters related to the superintendent search.

Bennettsville Fire Chief James Jackson III wants the department to be known for more than just racing to fire calls."We don't want to be known as a fire department that you see when we run down the road with lights and sirens on," he said. "We are going to be a fire department that is out in the community."Jackson, formerly of Pickens County, started as chief on April 2.

The Bennettsville Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a vehicle seen near where a Bennettsville woman was murdered.
According to Larry Turner, the vehicle was seen in the vicinity of 224 Windham Street where 23-year-old Vernika Townsend was murdered on Sunday.
He said anyone with information is asked to contact the Bennettsville Police Department at 843-479-3620 or Marlboro County Dispatch at 843-479-3620. Individuals may remain anonymous.
"It is an ongoing investigation," Turner said.
Police were dispatched at 11 p.m. Sunday night to Windham Street.
Once there, they discovered Townsend inside the residence with a gunshot wound.